Past in Perspective

“The surrender of 1975 was a big blow to the democratic and human values due to which lakhs of Kashmiri families lost their loved ones and thousands of our daughters and sisters lost their dignity.”–Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, November 2015.

In occupied Kashmir, the veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani has said that 1975 Indira-Sheikh accord was a historical betrayal of the then Kashmiri leadership with the people and the sacred blood of martyrs of Kashmir. The 1974 Indira–Sheikh accord between Kashmiri politician Sheikh Abdullah, leader of the National Conference, and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi allowed the former to become Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir again after 11 years. The Accord diverted the resistance movement of Kashmir and Sheikh Abdullah through it gave up the right to plebiscite and weakened the movement for the right to self determination. Pakistan too was shocked with Sheikh’s u-turn, and Prime Minster Bhutto announced a general strike, which was widely observed in the valley. The National Conference thus gained legitimacy under Indian force and within Kashmir, India found politicians open to manipulation. The accord was a betrayal and another nail in the coffin of Kashmiri right to freedom, as well a step back for peace between India and Pakistan.